Thread by @HeidiGiokos

Nigerians have gathered outside the Nigerian consulate. They are getting into the busses so that they can be transported to the airport. First flight out of SA is at 9am. We understand over 600 Nigerians have opted to leave SA due to the recent #XenophobicAttacks

Many mothers with their children are queuing to get a seat on the bus as quick as possible. Over 600 Nigerians have taken up the option to leave the country due to the recent #XenophobicAttacks

One bus has already taken the first load. There are two more busses stationed outside. No one is allowed to speak to the media. A clear instruction from the consulate they say. #XenophobicAttacks

Second bus has just left. People are still queuing to get onto the next bus. #NigeriansLeaveSA #XenophobicAttacks #Nigerians

We’ve spoken to some people on the side, many say a majority of Nigerians who have opted to leave haven’t been affected by the recent #XenophobicAttacks but are seizing the opportunity to get the first flight to go back home. “We suffering here, we would rather suffer at home”

Bus has arrived at OR Tambo Airport. Nigerians are unpacking their bags from the bus to get into the check in queue. Many of them say “It’s time to go home”
Nigerian government has offered a free flight home for those who wish to leave at the back of #XenophobicAttacks

More busses on the way to airport Many are still queuing here before allowed through to the check in area.
We spoke to one man who told us he is a writer and he wants to go back home because he isn’t welcome in SA. He says he is hurt that “other African brothers are doing this”

We just spoke a to a lady with 3 children all seem to be very young. She says she is leaving to ensure the safety of her children. She says she was sleeping with one eye open. #XenophobicAttacks #Nigerians

#NigeriansLeaveSA
There seems to be some issue around expired passports. They trying to find some kind of temporary solution to get the people on the plane. Also seems to be overload of luggage per individual. #Xenophobia

More families arrive. Queue gets longer and longer.
#XenophobiaSouthAfrica #Nigerians

#XenophobicAttacks Many #Nigerian families with their young ones are waiting to check in. There is a delay due to trying to sort out expired passports. Many young kids saying they want to leave SA and go back home #eNCA

Live updates on #eNCA at the top of 9.
We spoke to qualified mechanic. He says two of his cars were burnt last week. He says the issue isn’t South Africans, it’s the government who don’t give opportunities to its people.
#XenophobiaInSouthAfrica #Nigerians

Some #Nigerians have been sent back. They have travel documents for themselves but not for the children and they now need to sort that out before they can board the flight. We’ve seen about 2/3 families make their ya back. #Xenophobia #eNCA

More families waiting to see if they can get back to sort out documents. They can’t board the plane without proper documents for both them and children. One would imagine women & children were given first preference but we’ve been told documents are needed. #Xenophobia

The flight was supposed to take off at 9:10 to Lagos, Nigeria. It’s delayed by almost 2 hours. Some people are still checking in. The delay seems to be as a result of expired documents. #eNCA #XenophobiaSouthAfrica #Nigerians

It seems as though everyone has passed through the check in counter. Flight is delayed by over 2 hours.
We waiting for the Nigerian Consulate to speak to us about the exact details & it there are any more flights out. #eNCA #Xenophobia #Nigerians

Still waiting for the Nigerian consulate to come through and give us exact details. The board still says flight is delayed. Nigerian Nationals still need to get through immigration & there have been issue from the onset with valid passports & documents. #Xenophobia #Nigerians

We understand that after an almost 6 hour delay. Passengers are boarding the plane. Still unclear as to whether or not the second plan will land tomorrow. More details will come from the Nigerian Consulate. #XenophobicAttacks #Nigerians

UPDATE: 188 Nigerias have boarded the @flyairpeace plane. The plane was brought in for Nigerians who wanted the evacuation plan offered by @flyairpeace
The board is now ready to take off.
It was scheduled to leave at 9:10 am
Over 7 hour delay.
#XenophobicAttacks #Nigeria

UPDATE: The second @flyairpeace will only land in SA on Friday to take those who still wish to take the evacuation plan back to Nigeria.
Due to the delays today, the decision was taken for the second flight to happen on Friday. #Xenophobia #Nigerians